I WENT to Melbourne's match on Sunday against Richmond thinking they couldn't win. They'd lost three in a row, the worst loss being their third - against Port Adelaide in Adelaide.

It is not easy to follow a losing team, when a near miss may be the best you get.

ARTHUR Wilkinson came to Melbourne with Frank "Checker" Hughes. If you don't know who Checker was, consult a history book.

LAST week, a sign was posted on the glass doors of what was previously the Collingwood Social Club at Victoria Park by the City of Yarra saying no one is allowed in the building. One of those locked out is former Collingwood footballer Rupert Betheras who had set up an artist's studio in the old press box above the Bob Rose Stand.

AT 12 O'CLOCK last Saturday, I took my dog for a walk, knowing I had to hurry. I wanted to get to the 'G at least an hour before the game. The Jim Stynes game. Melbourne was going to stand up — it had to — and I wanted to get the feel in the rooms before the game. Then I found a lost dog.

FAREWELL, Demons, for season 2009. My year with you has confirmed me in the belief that you are a magnificent old club. The AFL telling you your brand was meaningless was an act of corporate buffoonery. You are older than the Ashes and a national sporting treasure.